The National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) has issued a weather advisory for Feb. 24-March 1 over a strong westerly wave that is likely to bring rain, wind, thunderstorms, and hailstorms, as well as snowfall in the northern and western parts of Pakistan.
According to the advisory, Islamabad, upper Punjab, the Pothohar region, central and southern/northeastern Punjab are likely to experience rain, wind, and thunderstorms accompanied by snowfall or hailstorms. It further warns that the heavy rainfall may trigger flash floods in vulnerable areas.
For Balochistan, the NEOC has forecast rain, wind, and thunderstorms with snowfall over hills in the province’s western, northwestern, and northern parts, with the possibility of flash floods in susceptible regions. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is likely to experience rain, wind, thunderstorms, and hailstorms, along with snowfall over the hills in upper and western regions, including Malakand and Hazara divisions. The advisory warns that heavy rainfall in northern Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa may trigger flash floods and landslides.
In Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, there is expectation of rain, wind, thunderstorms, and hailstorms with snowfall over hilly areas. The advisory warns the weather conditions may disrupt travel and routine activities.
Sindh’s forecast calls for mostly cold and dry weather.
The advisory has noted that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is closely monitoring the evolving situation and coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure timely response and mitigation efforts. Authorities have issued warnings regarding the potential hazards associated with this weather system, particularly the risk of heavy snowfall in Murree, Galiyat, and other northern regions, which may impact travelers. The NDMA has urged the public to use “Pak NDMA Alert App” to stay updated about weather conditions before traveling.
In a statement, the Pakistan Meteorological Department said the rainfall was beneficial for standing crops, particularly in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, which it had earlier warned were on the brink of drought.